Cricket is an autonomous robot that walks around by moving all six legs using three motors. He avoids objects when touched by the feelers, chirps randomly, and blinks his lights. After touching an obstacle he makes various sounds depending on which feeler sensed the object. All his functions are under control of the on board Stamp II controller. Cricket is designed to be made from readily available materials. The body is made of Lexan used in glass window replacement. The legs are made from aluminum tubing, a rubber grommet, a hinged standoff, and some plastic wire cover. Brain power comes from a Parallax Stamp II module which can be re-programmed by the user. A infrared sensor enables Cricket to respond to commands from a Sony remote control which overrides his autonomous behavior. Pushing the remote control buttons 0 - 9 causes Cricket to make various sounds and other buttons can steer his direction and actions. Power comes from nickel-cadmium batteries mounted inside his battery pack but he can also run from AA batteries.
Cricket Features
6 Motorized moving legs (3 motors) controlled by Stamp II
3 Cirrus CS-60 servo motors ( but any hobby servo will work)
---- (used for airplane and car models)
2 Antenna feelers (right and left)
2 Blinking LED Eyes
2 Light Sensors (right and left)
Stamp II Controller with autonomous program and remote control response
Blinking red LED heart beat
Infrared transmit and receive capability
Responds to Sony TV Remote Control or universal remote programmed for Sony TV
---- you probably have a remote lying around that will work with Cricket
Speaker with 10 Cricket/insect sound effects (you can also add your own sounds)
STRONG Lexan Body - easy to build
4 spare ports for other sensors, servo motors, or external devices
Onboard 5V regulator can supply up to 1.5 amps!
Powered by rechargeable 7.2V Nicad battery
----battery pack made from radio control car battery and deodorant container
Stamp II download connector, compatible with Parallax download software
Cricket Robot size is 12" X 10", the controller PC board is only 2.5" X 3"
Cricket is made from common materials available from your local home repair store and hobby shop. He can be built with basic tools like a hack saw, drill, and files. Controllers assembled and in kit form are available from me or you can build your own.